Wasting Light marks the official return of Pat Smear, who rejoined Foo Fighters' touring lineup in 2006 but hasn't played on the band's studio albums since 1997. It also features a cameo by Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl's former Nirvana bandmate. Rather than focus on the personnel, though, Wasted Light shines a light on the band's melodic hard rock, which is captured in analog sound by Butch Vig.